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Showing results for self-doubt. Search instead for selfdoubt.
Synonyms

self-doubt

American  
[self-daut] / ˈsɛlfˈdaʊt /

noun

  1. lack of confidence in the reliability of one's own motives, personality, thought, etc.


self-doubt British  

noun

  1. the act or state of doubting oneself

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of self-doubt

First recorded in 1840–50


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Though Fort Valley State is a backup option for her, the acceptance helped negate some self-doubt.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026

Online-safety advocates champion that change, as comparisons on social media can lead to self-doubt.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026

Simon’s powers flare up uncontrollably when he’s beset by anxiety and self-doubt.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2026

"A lot of musicians, no matter how good they are, we all experience that little bit of self-doubt sometimes," she said.

From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026

A bottomless chasm of insecurity and self-doubt that gnaws at them.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore

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